My family did not have ‘indoor’ pets when I was growing up. We always had a dog on the farm, but they lived outdoors and would sleep in our garage, and I don’t think we welcomed our cat Lionel into the house until I was well into my teenage years. Due to the lack of critters indoors, there was never a tremendous issue of smells; now that I’m living in my own house with my husband, two cats and a dog, however, I have noticed that there are days during which outdoors smells better than indoors, and I’m not a massive fan of it.
I open windows, weather permitting, and wash linens and bedding regularly, but the smell is stubborn and tends to cling to everything, apparently. The litter boxes aren’t too much of an issue, but when they start to emit their delightful odours, even with frequent litter changes, it becomes apparent that one must resort to other solutions.
Check out the following information from topazvet.com regarding how to keep your home smelling fresh with indoor pets.
“1. Regular Cleaning of Pet Bedding. Pet bedding often traps odors because pets spend a lot of time resting on it, and the materials absorb pet hair and natural oils, which can lead to strong smells over time. To remove pet odor, keep bedding fresh by washing it regularly with hot water and a gentle, pet-safe detergent. This practice helps eliminate odors and supports a cleaner, more comfortable environment for your pet.
- Dry thoroughly to avoid mildew
- Wash bedding weekly or biweekly
“2. Use of Air Purifiers. Air purifiers with HEPA filters help remove particles and odors from the air. Odors can persist even after cleaning the source, so an air purifier with an activated carbon filter helps absorb the smell, making pet odor removal easier. This makes the air in your home feel fresher and cleaner, creating a more comfortable environment. Maintain the air purifier in rooms where pets spend most of their time to ensure cleaner air for their health and comfort.
“3. Proper Grooming and Bathing. Regular grooming is vital for keeping pet odors at bay. Giving your pet a bath with a suitable pet shampoo can help remove odors that are trapped in its fur. Brushing your pet regularly also reduces hair shedding and helps prevent odors from spreading.
- Brush pets daily to remove loose hair
- Bathe pets once a month or more often if necessary
“5. Baking Soda for Upholstery. Baking soda is a practical solution for neutralizing odors in your home. You can sprinkle the powder generously on upholstered furniture, carpets, and rugs where pet smells tend to gather. Let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, so it has time to absorb the odors. After that, vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with any trapped smells,” the web page states.
Check back tomorrow for part two.
ontheedgeofeverything 